Ed Lavin – 12 Sports Athlete of the Week

BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — Sooner or later every team faces some form of adversity. Saturday, the Susquehanna Valley Sabers faced its biggest challenge of the season when starting quarterback Jarred Freije left the game due to injury in the second quarter. Enter backup Ed Lavin. Now, the Sabers are heading to the dome and Lavin is 12 Sports’ Athlete of the Week.

From backup to state semifinals Game MVP, Saturday is a day Ed Lavin will never forget.

“It’s still sinking in a little bit,” said Susquehanna Valley senior quarterback Ed Lavin. “But, I don’t want to take all the credit for it. My line and defense, they all put pieces in to get the win and move on and that’s what it’s all about.”

The team, that’s what Susquehanna Valley has preached all season and the Sabers did not flinch when Jarred Freije was forced to leave the game.

“We had confidence in Eddie the whole time,” said Susquehanna Valley senior tight end Dan Matthews. “He’s played quarterback on JV and modified, so we knew he had some experience and we knew he was going to do fine when he came in.”

First drive under center, Lavin led SV to paydirt, extending the Sabers’ lead to 15.

“Mainly adrenaline,” said Lavin “On the sideline, I was a little nervous at first, but as soon as I got in there and see my player’s eyes and I see that we’re all in this together and we’re going to keep moving on. We’re not going to end our season here.”

Kick returner, receiver, Lavin does a little bit of everything for the Sabers, which is why everyone in navy and gold is thrilled the spotlight shined bright on the senior this past weekend.

“He is an excellent teammate,” said Susquehanna Valley head coach Mike Ford. “He’s put in the time and he’s a home run threat every time he touches the ball. It was nice for him to get that exposure in our biggest game to this date.”

Off the field, Lavin has quite the sense of humor.

“Probably, one of the funniest kids on the team and one of the funniest people I know,” said Matthews.

And an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

“Buffalo Bills,” said Lavin. “Best team in the league.”

The Bills sparked Lavin’s love for football.

“My dad was bringing me up,” said Lavin. “He would try to get me in front of the TV to watch the Bills games and it’s kind of how I (grew) up to be a Bills fan.”

Susquehanna Valley takes on Dobbs Ferry out of Section I inside the Carrier Dome for the Class C State Championship on Friday, November 23 at 6 p.m.